Galaxy S9 Wireless Charger Spotted, But Not Much To Be Excited About

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is expected to be unveiled later this month. Before the official launch, the handset’s most important accessory, which was expected to debut alongside the S9, has been spotted online.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 wireless charger — code-named the Fast Wireless Charger EP-N5100 — was spotted online on Monday. The user manual for the accessory was prematurely uploaded to Samsung’s customer support library. The listing was first spotted by German tech outlet WinFuture.

The leaked manual, which refers to the creation of the “Fast Wireless Charger,” states that the charger conforms to the Qi charging standard. This suggests that the new wireless charger will be compatible with Samsung’s earlier devices fitted with wireless charging coils, such as the Galaxy S8 and Note 8. However, fans expecting a big improvement in wireless charging performance and appearance may be disappointed.

The form factor of the Galaxy S9 wireless charger appears to be more or less similar to that of the earlier version, but it looks slightly thinner and flatter. The charger, however, lacks a USB Type-C plug on the front. Further, the charger is relatively smaller than Samsung’s Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand, which currently retails for $39.99, notes AndroidHeadlines.

The Galaxy S9 wireless charger, however, can be used with the pad retracted, or the upper part can be pulled up to support the Galaxy S9 at an angle. This allows the user to view the screen from their desk even while it is recharging, notes SlashGear. The charger also has an LED light near the bottom.

The light provides info on the status of the charger and of the smartphone it is charging. Similar to the previous charger, a red light will mean that the phone is charging, while a blinking red light suggests an error. Once the phone is charged, a green light will flash, notes AH.

Samsung’s new wireless charger has two wireless coils, compared to three in the earlier version. However, only one coil is used at any one time. Further, the device sports a USB-C port on the back for powering the charger and a fan underneath to cool down the system if it gets hot.

Fans hoping to see a boost in the maximum charging potential will also be disappointed. At 9 volts and a maximum input power of 2 amps, the charger is capable of giving out 18 watts. As revealed by the FCC certification, the Galaxy S9 duo will have a 15-watt capacity, similar to what was seen in the Galaxy S8 series. This means that, contrary to the rumors, wireless charging on the Galaxy S9 will not be any faster than it is on the current Galaxy phones, notes SamMobile.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 wireless charger will reportedly be available in two color options – black and white. The device is expected to cost about $90 and be officially showcased alongside the Galaxy S9 series on February 25 in Barcelona, Spain.

The Galaxy S9 wireless charger is not the only S9 accessory to have appeared online in the last few days. Last week, images of Samsung’s case line-up leaked online. According to the images, the official protective cases will come in multiple textures, colors, and finishes. The covers will cater to all demands; for instance, Alcantara covers will lure fashion lovers, while those wanting more protection will get cases with military ruggedness specifications.